On Dec. 10, a new roadway opened to the public in Valley Ranch, according to a news release from developer The Signorelli Co.

The gist: Valley Ranch Bend Drive serves to connect residential neighborhoods with nearby Valley Ranch Town Center. The roadway is largely located in the southwest corner of where the Grand Parkway intersects with Hwy. 59.

Quote of note: “Improved connectivity creates better experiences for residents and visitors, supports our commercial partners and strengthens the foundation for the significant growth still ahead,” said Greg Wattson, senior vice president of commercial development for The Signorelli Co. 

Related highlights: Other recent roadway projects in the area include:

• A $5.8 million project bringing two ramps connecting the Grand Parkway’s main lanes and frontage roads near Valley Ranch Town Center
• Removal of the existing median on the north side of the intersection of Valley Ranch Parkway and FM 1314

Allayah Beamon, founder of A1 Academics K-12 Tutoring Service, said the mobile tutoring center has plans to expand to Atascocita, Cypress, Humble, Katy, Kingwood and New Caney on Jan. 10.

The details: A1 Academics K-12 Tutoring Service offers services for children in kindergarten through 12th grade with individual in-person and virtual sessions, according to the company's website.
Tutoring subjects offered include:

• Spanish ESL
• Hebrew
• Math
• STEM
• Science
• Reading and writing
• Critical thinking skills
• Test prep/study habits
• Language arts/ELA
• History

• Expanding Jan. 10

Pending single-family sales in the Greater Houston area rose 7.2% year over year in November, according to the Houston Association of Realtors’ November 2025 Housing Market Update released Dec. 10. Meanwhile, single-family home sales decreased year over year in November from 6,499 to 6,347, according to the report.

What else: In terms of home prices, the median home price decreased 1.5% to $325,000, according to the report.

Quote of note: “Houston’s housing market is setting into a balanced pace,” HAR Chair Shae Cottar with LPT Realty said via news release. “Buyers now have more time, more options and a little more breathing room to negotiate. Sellers are still attracting offers, but realistic pricing and expectations make all the difference.”

Symphony North of Houston is celebrating its 50th anniversary season, showcasing five decades of community orchestral music in northwest Harris County and the Greater Houston area, CEO and President Steve Sands said.

The details: The nonprofit community orchestra was incorporated June 30, 1975, and now features about 65 volunteer musicians who rehearse and perform together while working in careers ranging from education and engineering to law and banking, Sands said.
Sands said Symphony North performs its concert season at Salem Lutheran Church in Tomball and operates on a philosophy that classical music should be accessible to everyone. Admission to concerts is by donation. 

The impact: The orchestra presents a series of concerts each year aimed at enriching the community’s cultural life while giving members a place to continue their musical education and performance experience, Sands said.